Right now in Lagos social scene, one royal friendship that many celebrities haven’t stopped admiring is the friendship between HRM Oba Muhammed Saheed Ademola Elegushi and HRM Oba Wasiu Omogbolahan, the Oniru of Iruland.
Many people have been seeing them attending parties together since Oba Wasiu Lawal became king many months ago but not many people know that they have been very close for over 2 decades. This we can confirm to you authoritatively. It is a friendship that has lasted over 25 years. Not many know that Oba Ademola Elegushi and Oba Wasiu Lawal started as colleagues working for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While Oba Ademola was the Special Assistant to APC chieftain Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tunubu, Oba Wale Oniru was the ADC to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Despite the little age difference between them, Oba Wasiu Lawal shares a strong bond with Oba Oniru. They always attend parties together, making the same fashion statement. Oba Ademola and Oba Oniru seem to have almost the same fashion taste. They always rock almost the same style. Same Aso Oke merchant handles their royal Aso-Oke.
Even since Oba Oniru was installed, they have been spotted at over 15 big events together in the last few months. One of them was when Oba Lateef Adams son wedded in Lagos. Another was when Oba Oba Muhammed Saheed Ademola Elegushi’s daughters had their Quranic graduation, and another was at the Elegba day which was a traditional festival held by royal fathers. You can’t help but admire the strong bond that existed between Oba Ademola Elegushi and Oba Omogbolahan.
Few days ago, HRM Oba Muhammed Saheed Ademola Elegushi turned 45 years and also had his 11 years anniversary on the throne. Oba Oniru was one of the early guests. He came in early with his pretty wife, Olori Maryam to honour him. He was also fully involved in the 7 days event. People didn’t expect anything short of that, seeing how he praised Oba Ademola Elegushi on his social media page before the grand reception. Oba Gbolahan hardly publicly sings anyone’s praises because he seems to be on the quiet side. What did he write? His words are “Alayeluwa Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III). My friend and brother, our bond has transcended generations as our fathers were also brothers and monarchs. Since I have known you, you have redefined friendship for me. You bring so much brightness and joy into the lives of everyone around you and I am a living testimony. May the new year bring you nothing but joy and may some of that brightness shine right back at you! Happy birthday! Igba odun, odun kan”.
One shocking fact about Oba Ademola Elegushi and Oba Wasiu Lawal’s friendship is that their fathers were also good friends. Yes, Oba Lawal’s father was a respected High Chief in Lagos when Oba Ademola Elegushis’s father, Oba Yekini Elegushi was king. This was confirmed by Oba Muhammed Lawal, the Oniru of Iru, Oba Lawal said he was at the Elegushi’s palace to thank him and the people of Ikate kingdom for the love and support shown to him during the process of his ascension and eventual coronation as the 15th Oniru, reminding them that their support during the period helped in simplifying the process.
Oba Lawal said his visit to the palace of the Elegushi is also historic as his late father, former Ojora of Lagos, Chief Taoreed Akanni Lawal-Akapo had joined the last Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi in a welcome dance during the former Elegushi’s coronation over two decades ago and that fate has now made him and Oba Elegushi kings over their respective kingdoms, having worked together for many years in the services of the Lagos State Government.”
When Oba Wasiu Lawal was called to speak about Oba Ademola Elegushi during his 45th Anniversary, he spoke so highly about their friendship. He described Oba Ademola as someone who redefines friendship. His words “ I greet all the kabiyesi seated, all Local Government Chiefs, members of Lagos House of Assembly, my darling wife, our brothers and sisters in the house. What do I say about my brother and friend? Kabiyesi Elegushi and I have come a long way. There is no gainsaying that our fathers were also kings. I met Kabiyesi at Government House then. Kabiyesi Just came back from Youth Service and was a young man. Kabiyesi Elegushi is a devoted Lagosian. He is committed and loyal Lagosian. He is a friend we all love. I remember the support Kabiyesi gave me when I became the king and during our coronation. He is still giving me support till date. He is a progressive king. He has been on the throne for 11 years but the experience is enormous. It is not about age, but he has wealth of experience. I pray and hope our partnership we make Ikate and Elegushi grow. Kabiyesi, I wish you many more years. A peaceful reign that will surpass every other reign” he said.
– AbiolA Orisile
